On and About Town

Center celebration
The Ford Center celebrated its first anniversary in grand style as friends and dignitaries stopped by to offer congratulations. Among those celebrating were Executive Director Scott Schoenike (from left), former Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel and premium services manager Kristi Spalding.

Giving Thanks Gala
With Thanksgiving approaching, the VNA committee members were making plans for its second Giving Thanks Gala. Focused on the many families who have been positively affected by the VNA, the gala will be Friday at the Evansville Country Club. Working on plans for the autumn-themed event were Chef Blake Kollker (seated, left) with committee members Frieda Henneberger, and Gloria Horton (standing, from left) and Lauren Rickelman.

Scout style
Adult members of Girl Scouts, alumnae, supporters and friends were invited to a Rededication and Trefoil Style Show at the Evansville Country Club. The event, on the eve of the birthday of Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low, gave current and former scouts and other invited guests the opportunity to confirm their commitment to the Girl Scouts mission. A Trefoil Style Show traced the history of the organization with vintage uniforms modeled by local celebrities, including Kara Messersmith (front) and Lauren Chappell modeling uniforms from 1960 and 1971.

Carolyn's finale
Eighteen years and $440,000 later, Carolyn Barnett was recognized for her tremendous impact on the Easter Seals and its annual Passion for Fashion Style Show. Thursday's show marked the end of a long and fashionable career for Carolyn as she enters a new (and more relaxed) chapter in her life. A full house enjoyed a retrospective look as models walked the runway in a multitude of different looks brought from their own closets that had been purchased over the years from Carolyn's. Easter Seals child representative Ali Shanks was the first model to take the stage and shared with the audience what these fundraisers are all about. Posing with Barnett (second from right) and her beau, Jerry Newhouse, were long-time clients Marge Basden (left) and Cathy Drake.

Fond farewells
Rain clouds parted and the sun came shining through to herald the start of the farewell party for Phyllis Wallace, a cherished community volunteer who is moving to the same town as her son and his family. Among those attending the party were Katie Riecken (front, from left), Julie Langerak and Rebecca Kremp, and Gail Riecken (back, from left), Wallace and Cathy Engel.

Pink and Black
The second Pink and Black Ball at the Old National Bank's Wayne Henning Atrium came off without a hitch last week. More than 100 guests enjoyed Baurhaus cuisine and Jazz Four live music as more than $3,000 was raised for the Children's Center for Dance Education's Pirouette Project outreach to disadvantaged youths. Stopping for a photo were Ann and Dr. Tim Almquist (from left), Dr. Reinaldo Pastora, Karan Pastora, Danielle Stucki-Kron, Vicki Rohleder and Dr. Jay Rohleder.